Amazon is readying to invest significantly in its delivery programme in the US. This move will increase the average income of drivers in the US by at least $1.50 per hour. That means, drivers of its delivery service partners or DSPs will earn seven per cent more, that is, almost $22 per hour, based on their location.
The e-commerce platform has been steadily investing in the DSP programme over the last six years. It has already infused $12.3 billion till date. It is pertinent to mention here that Amazon has been scrutinised by labour regulators for the way it controls its subcontractors.
An app will also be introduced so that drivers of DSPs are able to access up to half of the payments they accrue before payday. Among other initiatives, the company plans to deploy artificial intelligence tools to help identify risks across 200 million roads and offer 18 million safety cues for its drivers by end of 2024.
It has not been long since the National Labour Relations Board alleged that Amazon along with a contractor has been discouraging delivery drivers from forming an union in Atlanta.
Amazon India too has been paying special attention to its delivery associates or drivers. It has launched ‘Project Ashray’ under which drivers across the entire logistic industry will have access to rest points at strategic locations, in cities such as Delhi NCR, Bengaluru and Mumbai. These rest-points will provide a range of amenities, specifically tailored to the needs of drivers, while on the road, including comfortable seating, access to clean water and mobile-charging stations.
